Graham & Brenda

This is a difficult question to answer. When we bought our house in Sept. 2003 we were told that we could expect it to be wetter than SE England. It was a very dry spring, summer and winter 2004/5 and a dry spring and summer 2005 - hence our water restrictions. We are between Cognac and Angouleme but understand that the water situation is worse in the North of Poitou Charentes. Rain can be quite localised so you can't generalise. Historically we should be getting more rain - we certainly need it. It is certainly warmer and spring comes earlier but it can be quite cold in winter - we had -10C and -13C last winter. We (an arc from La Rochelle to, say, Bordeaux and inland to, say Cognac) get more sunshine than all but the South of France. If you are househunting it always pays to visit a region and at different times of year if you can. Gites can be useful to hire for a base to explore from. Good hunting Graham

We live in Charente but are planning a short getaway for the end of this month/beginning of October, to take in places like Agen, Toulouse, Montauban etc. Are there any "must sees" or upcoming unmissable events in this area please? (We are a couple, no kids - well not in France! and like markets, old towns, scenery, bric a bracs, eating out at reasonable prices, rivers and canals and rural France in general). Many thanks, Graham

Last year, April I think, I booked a couple of nights at a Logis hotel at Mimizan Plage. On arrival we were given a choice of 2 rooms. Having chosen we started to settle in and I checked the price on the back of the door. It was more than I was told on the phone. I mentioned this to madame when we went out for a walk and she said that's OK - your price is lower because those on the door are the high season prices. I was relieved and we had a good stay! I will bear your story in mind for the future. Graham

They are called souris d'agneau and here's a recipe I found on google.fr http://www.linternaute.com/femmes/cuisine/recette/304779/1365792553/souris_d_agneau_aux_haricots_blancs.shtml  I always look out for them but have not seen any for a while. I wonder if they (like many things in France) are a seasonal thing i.e. perhaps they use them for something else in the summer. If anyone knows please enlighten me! Graham

Car costs? Haven't needed mine serviced yet but insurance and diesel are cheaper and no road tax. So why do they think it's more expensive? Puzzled, Graham

It is difficult to reply as it depends on what you are used to and what you are looking for (do you need entertainment for children for example? Do you like country or town? etc. etc.). Social activities in this fairly rural area (Jarnac 10 mins.,Cognac 20 mins.) are quite limited and generally locally based. Other than high days and holidays most are daytime events. Can't speak for the towns but there are various clubs and associations. As for the winter/summer thing it is a good idea to stay for a couple of weeks in the winter so you can find out for yourselves what it is like and see if it suits. Living here (which we wouldn't swap for the world) is quite different to holidaying here. Have a read of the local papers too to see what's on. Good hunting, Graham

My UK computer works fine. There have been a number of such queries on this site in the past so have a search and you will find replies that cover the pros and cons of buying in UK/France. Graham

I've sent a PM Graham

Once your doctor has told CPAM that you are eligable for free diabetes care you get all your supplies and blood tests free - I think the terminology is ALD 30. I had no problem getting my 2 insulins from the local pharmacy but for peace of mind you might like to take a sample in to yours to check availability before you actually need it. I did as above and brought plenty over when we moved. Graham

Ours aren't setting very well this year either (we are in Charente). It is said that spraying them with water helps. We did this with a hand sprayer last year but it gets a bit tiresome and what with the heat and other jobs ........well, you know how it is. Might try french beans next year. Graham

Our pool man has recommended cleaning our cartridge, which is a bit clogged up and has slowed down the filtration, (not a sand filter pool) with a soaking in a 50/50 solution of acide chlorhydrique. Basically this is to remove any limescale buildup in the pores of the filter. Casto sell this at €5.50 for 5 lt. However, during his rapid fire French he also mentioned eau de javel. Is this the same or similar product and does it also have a detartrent effect? Any advice on best method will be welcome. I now have 2 cartridges - one to wash and one to use! Thanks, Graham

Here in Charente the forms were sent out alphabetically. You take it to the doctor, he signs his bit you sign yours and then you send it to CPAM. Next time they send you a statement they confirm that they've registered your form. Graham

Yes the diabetes related prescriptions are free once you have registered with a doctor and he/she's told CPAM. As far as top up insurance is concerned, I would recommend that you ignore the diabetes and consider what other ailments you may have as you get older. I hope none - but that's the thing about insurance, you either take the risk or pay someone else to. No-one can make up your mind for you but there are heaps of helpful postings on the subject on this website. Some people take their medical records - I just took a list of my ailments and medication (I took the information inserts from the medication boxes) and my doctor asked lots of questions and sent me to a specialist for some checkups. I also e-mailed my insulin manufacturer to check that it would be available in France and what it was called. Finally, don't be afraid to ask further questions - loads of people have already been through this. Graham  

We have stayed a number of times at the Parisiana. Two stars, clean and comfy, lift, good buffet breakfast €6, near Gare du Nord and Gare de L'Est and the metro. Double room €63-69. http://www.parisiana-hotel.com/English/Frameset.html Have a good trip, Graham

I too am far from fluent but always speak in French, mistakes and all! However, I have been surprised to receive a number of compliments on my French and a "thank you for speaking in French" too. So, for anyone struggling to learn, keep it up, it is worth it. Graham

Thanks Clair. Form filled and sent. Graham

Yes, did all the usual prep and was relieved to see it appear at about 9 days. It's coming on well now thanks. Graham

Thanks both for the help - I'm in now. Graham

I'm trying to open www.advfn.co.uk , (which is a sharedealing site) but, presumably because I have a French ISP it is defaulting to the .com address, with French information. Is there any way I can "force" a site to open as entered without this happening please? Thanks, Graham

Does anyone know roughly how long it should take grass seed to germinate at this time of year. I sowed it 8 days ago and not much seems to be happening. I've sown seed before in the UK and seem to remember it took less time - I don't know whether the type of seed also makes a difference. Either that or maybe I'm just being impatient! Graham (16)

I have been working from the air temperature. This is why I would like to find the definitive answer as it does seem quite a long time to run the pump each day. Just to be clear, we don't use chlorine but have the salinity adjusted at the beginning of the season. Graham

When our pool was installed we were told to run the pump, which circulates water through the automatic ph adjuster as well as the filter, for half the number of hours per day as the ambient temperature (i.e. 20 degrees - 10 hours). I have been happily doing this but on just re-opening the pool this year asked myself why? I don't have anything in writing to refer to so can anyone confirm the above - or otherwise please? Thanks, Graham

Can't help with a doctor's name as we are too far from you. You can choose which doctor you want - we went to one a neighbour recommended. However, it is the pharmacy that stocks the insulin, so pop into your local one with an example of what your partner currently uses and ask them if it is in stock or how long it takes to get. My pharmacy didn't have enough of one of my insulins this morning but she said I could have it this afternoon - I said tomorrow would be fine! Hope this helps, if not post again. Graham

Thanks - I put that name into Casto's website and it came up trumps! G

Do they sell jubilee clips in France and, if so, what are they called please? Thanks, Graham